Meet Flore Lenoir

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Flore Lenoir a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Flore, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?

My work ethic is rooted in a simple belief: when work carries meaning, it becomes an act of both creation and connection. I’ve always been driven by the idea that every project is an opportunity to blend rigor with humanity, precision with empathy.
This ethic is shaped by values that define everything I do:
Authentic – I build on deep listening and compassion to truly understand the people and stories behind each project. My designs are never just solutions; they are authentic reflections of your identity, values, and vision, crafted with care and intention.
Meaningful – I create spaces that move with your life, intuitive extensions of who you are and how you live. More than just environments, they are designed to actively support your well-being and lifestyle, evolving as you do.
Vibrant – I dare to push boundaries, embracing bold materials, unexpected colors, and dynamic light to awaken the senses. Vibrant design is fearless—it transforms spaces into living experiences, where audacity meets sensitivity, and every detail invites you to feel, engage, and own your environment with confidence.
For me, the best work is born at the intersection of purpose, craftsmanship, and collaboration. I deeply believe that innovation thrives where diverse skills and perspectives meet—where creativity, technical expertise, and human insight converge to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

At Flore Lenoir Studio, we believe that space is an extension of our bodies and a powerful catalyst for well-being. My work is about designing environments that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them—spaces that are not just beautiful, but also meaningful, functional, and transformative. I founded the studio to bridge the gap between interior design and human experience, blending artistic expertise with a deep understanding of spatial psychology. With a Master’s in Interior and Furniture Design from École Camondo and a background in social psychology, I bring a unique perspective: every project is an opportunity to create a sanctuary that reflects your identity, values, and lifestyle.
What excites me most is the concept of Furnitecture—a fusion of furniture and architecture that brings identity, functionality, and lasting transformation to your home or workspace, without the need for a full renovation. Whether for private clients or corporate creators, my goal is to turn 2D brand identities into vibrant 3D spatial experiences, infusing every detail with intention and purpose. I’m now on the brink of launching a new chapter: artistic installations and productions that tell the stories of people. These projects will explore how design can become a narrative medium, capturing emotions, memories, and human connections in immersive, tangible forms. It’s about transforming spaces into living stories—where every object, color, and texture speaks of who we are and how we live.
Right now, I’m especially focused on expanding the reach of Furnitecture and these artistic explorations, collaborating with artisans, clients, and communities who share a passion for innovative, human-centered design. If you’re looking for a space—or an experience—that truly feels like you, one that evolves with your life and uplifts your spirit, I’d love to connect and create something extraordinary together.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

With over 15 years of experience—spanning luxury agencies in France, independent projects across Europe, and my own studio in the U.S.—I’ve had the privilege of working on everything from ephemeral installations to permanent residential and commercial spaces. This journey has taught me that the most impactful skills aren’t just technical; they’re deeply human and adaptable.

Cultural Agility & Contextual Intelligence
Designing for a pop-up event in Paris, a mid-century home in San Francisco, or a luxury boutique in Milan demands more than aesthetic sensibility; it requires an ability to read cultural nuances, local craftsmanship, and the unspoken needs of diverse clients. Working in different countries and contexts has sharpened my ability to adapt my approach while staying true to my values. Whether it’s navigating European heritage constraints or American innovation-driven expectations, understanding the “why” behind a space is as critical as the “how.”
Advice: Seek out projects in unfamiliar settings. Travel, collaborate internationally, or work with clients from different backgrounds. The more you expose yourself to varied ways of living and creating, the more versatile and resonant your designs will become.

Hybrid Expertise: From Ephemeral to Permanent
My career has balanced fleeting, experiential designs (like brand activations and artistic installations) with enduring architectural projects. This duality has honed my ability to think in layers—balancing immediate impact with long-term functionality, and storytelling with durability. Ephemeral projects teach you to distill a message into a moment; permanent ones demand foresight and precision.
Advice: Don’t silo yourself. Take on short-term projects (exhibits, scenography) alongside long-term ones (homes, workspaces). Each informs the other: the boldness of the temporary can inspire the permanent, while the rigor of the permanent grounds the experimental.

Entrepreneurial Resilience
Transitioning from agency work to running my own studio—first in France, now in the U.S.—taught me the importance of self-trust, resourcefulness, and business acumen. Working in luxury agencies instilled high standards for craftsmanship and client relations, while freelancing and entrepreneurship forced me to become my own creative director, accountant, and marketer. Every challenge, from budget negotiations to cross-continental logistics, has reinforced that resilience is a design skill.
Advice: Learn the business side early. Even if you’re not ready to launch your own studio, understand contracts, pricing, and project management. And cultivate a network of trusted artisans, contractors, and mentors—they’re your lifeline when navigating new territories.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

Creative Confidence by Tom Kelley transformed how I see design and teaching. Kelley’s message—that creativity is a skill anyone can cultivate—mirrors my own belief: design is about empathy, experimentation, and action, not just talent.
As a former creative methodology professor in France, I saw firsthand how Kelley’s principles—like “failing forward” and human-centered prototyping—empowered students to trust their ideas. His approach guided my teaching: creativity isn’t about perfection, but about asking bold questions, testing quickly, and learning from the process.
The book’s emphasis on democratizing creativity—whether in design, business, or daily life—resonates deeply with my work. From Furnitecture to artistic installations, I’ve applied its lessons: start small, iterate often, and collaborate widely. Kelley’s stories of nurses, entrepreneurs, and educators innovating in their fields prove that design thinking isn’t limited to studios; it’s a tool for solving problems everywhere.
For me, the most impactful takeaway? Creativity thrives when we remove fear and embrace curiosity. Whether I’m designing a space or mentoring, this book reminds me: the best ideas come from listening, trying, and trusting the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.florelenoirstudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/florelenoirstudio/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/florelenoir/
• Other: https://www.behance.net/florelenoir#